Welcome visitor to my blog! This is a fan made movie review blog, which includes posts on all of my other hobbies as well. I love to write and for the past seven years this blog has been my best friend. Look around and let me know what you think!
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Oldalak, Pages, Pagine

Thursday, December 29, 2011

This very Christmas I've received 4 of the best gifts I've ever got in my life!

(1) This Halloween I dressed up as Marty McFly from Back To The Future. We took a couple of silly pictures for fun, sort of a cosplay sensation and my brother turned it into a real poster from the movie. Here is my wonderful picture with Doc Brown!

(2) I've always been a Doctor Who fan and from my brother I received a rectangular lamp on which he attached four of the Doctor's helpers: Rose Tyler (Billie Piper), Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman), Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) and Amy Pond (Karen Gillan). We do not own these pictures and I am grateful to the fan who made them and uploaded them to the internet!

(3) From my dear sister I got a Tardis of my own, it is a picture of the Doctor (Matt Smith), River Song (Alex Kingston), Me in the middle, Amy Pond (Karen Gillan) and her husband Rory (Arthur Darvill). She put it into a Tardis blue corner and attached the little lamp onto it. She is the one who drew these pictures as well!

(4) My last and the most awesome gift was a River Song diary, the one you can see for the first time in episode 8 Silence In The Library from season 4 (Doctor was David Tennant at the time). Ever since River came on, she is my favorite character of all and I loved her little diary full of 'spoilers'. A diary that was Tardis blue. And my awesome sister made me one! I love her too!

Check the pictures from my last trip abroad! You can either click on the link below or go to the "Photography" page on the blog and look for the titles WIEN und der Weihnachtsmarkt and Rebel Santa to see my new photos!

If you are American, this question might raise doubts in you about my well being and tastes in movies. And that is alright, but as soon as you’ll see my point, you will find that I am quite lucid. The main fight among movies is:

Quality vs. Quantity

Americans love Christmas, there is no doubt about that. I love it too! And I am not questioning that they have a really special way of celebrating it, however there is a point where... it’s just a bit too much! I am of course talking about the countless Christmas family movies that come out each year, which as time passes, have little or nothing to do with what Christmas is. Why? Because these movies seem to show us that no matter what kind of fallony you commit, no matter how a big lie you tell, never mind what kind of betrayal you’ve done, it’s Christmas. It is all forgiven. Or, my other favorite story line, is that there is a grave danger that Christmas might not be and it needs saving... Yeah, about that... that’s just stupid!

Here you can see all of the horrible Christmas movies I refer to, and I personally like many of these because no matter how stupid their plot and moral lesson is, they still let the Christmas spirit in me grow.

(Take Jingle All The Way, e.g. I love that movie, because I never saw it English. I am aware of how horrible Schwarzenegger sounds, therefore I avoided that by not watching it in English and it made for a really good Christmas movie! But, uhm, Ernest Saves Christmas? No, no. There should be a law against that!)

But make no mistake, I do not want to trash all of the American Christmas movies, no-no, they have some really good ones. They are classics, and you know why? Because they don’t want to push down your throat the deeper meaning of Christmas, they only focus on why Christmas is important or the story simply occurs during the snowy winter time.

But why then, why am I still convinced that British Christmas movies are better?

The question is easy, yet hard to answer. I would like to discuss two movies in particular:

There is a recipe for disaster in America: the more famous people you cast, the worst the movie is going to be. Think of New York I Love You. It’s shit. Or think of Valentine’s Day. Biggest piece of crap ever released. I haven’t seen New Year’s Eve but let me tell you, my hopes are not in the very least high! Yet, the British took this recipe and made something awesome out of it. How? They probably had good stories before they cast the actors, they didn’t just hope that the pretty faces will wash away everybody’s attention from the fact that there isn’t a good standing main plot, and to top it, none of the sub-plots are interesting either. Movies like this are money makers, because you don’t only get the fan base of 1 actor but of at least 20, and since it makes money, it must be a good movie, right? Not necessarily. Think of the Disney-Pixar AnimationCars. Did you like it? I didn’t. And yet, they made a sequel. Was it worth it? No. Did it make a lot of money? Yes, because parents still brought their children to the theater!

But here we have Love Actually. You have basically every single British actor the world loves, along with some unknown faces and seeing that the stories alone are so touching and worth telling, the fact that you add Christmas to it makes it wonderful!

Now, Love Actually is pretty much the favorite movie of the Hungarian population. It is effing creepy how much they love this movie over here, one person watches it at least three times a year, and not only in the Christmas season! And why? Because it is a good movie! It tells you what people go throw the holidays: you can be alone; it can be a chance for you to get off your ass and find something better for yourself; it can be a way to rediscover yourself; to embrace in new things; to admit defeat or victory or simply to embrace the Christmas spirit. There is no need for talking dogs to save Christmas for it to be cherished! (A Dog Who Saved Christmas). There shouldn’t be... Love Actually focuses on those little details that you know get under a magnifying glass during the holidays and basically tells you that it’s OK. There won’t always be a happy ending, no, actually it might suck for you for a very long time. But don’t let that beat you down.

Let us move to the second movie Nativity. You might not know this movie, but I sure hope that you’ll check it out after reading my review. This little story is about Paul Maddens, an actor who after art school decided to become a primary school teacher, but besides being quite good at that, he is unhappy. His girlfriend Jennifer left him and he is forced to put on the Nativity at his school, even though he once failed at it miserably and doesn’t want to. He is forced to work together with Mr. Poppy, who is a grown man with some mental issues of his own, but he is the one who, after putting him through hell, gets his spirit of Christmas back. He tells us that his girlfriend loved Christmas and made him love it too, but without her it has no meaning to him. I don’t want to give away too much, because the story is quite complicated on its own, but for you to understand why this movie is beautiful:

it not only focuses on one man’s rediscovery of the gift of Christmas, but of how much little children are affected by the actions of the adults around them. During the movie we have a little insight on how the children feel about Mr. Maddens and how they feel his sadness. Also, their insecurities, their want to act out because they feel neglected by their parents, feeling inferior simply because one teacher said "You are incapable.” It is hurtful, but it is true, we never realize that little children understand a lot more than we assume. And especially a time when Christmas should be above all cherished, a time for little Children to fell all the joy there actually is in the world, and yet it can all be thrown out because they worry for one teacher who is very important to them.

You know, in real life, actually all the way to University, after our parents, the second most influental people in our lives are our teachers. Some of us take a bigger liking to some of them, than others. And we often, I for sure wonder, if there is something to matter when I can’t see their smile. And I love that this movie puts into perspective, that nothing goes unnoticed for the students. Even those that pretend not to see. And here we are talking about nearly 10 year olds and not young adults.

Christmas is a time of happiness, and some lack that happiness. Both these movies tell you that it is OK, because there are ways to find it. I love Christmas. I really do and the biggest reason I feel that these movies are better than others is because, just like in my review about dancing movies, (click here to read!) the stories alone are interesting, they glue you to the screen and the fact that it is Christmas? It’s just a miraculous bonus! But others, such as those TV movies released by ABC family have very poor stories, actors that lack talent and not even the magic of Christmas is properly embraced. Christmas is not an excuse to make a movie! And America, if the Brits can beat you with their funny paper crowns and crackers, there must be something that you are doing utterly wrong!

So, be sure to check out some of these movies, I’m sure you’ll add some to your holiday favorites!

By clicking here you can see my list of 15 favorite Christmas movies!
To read my Arthur Christmas review, which also underlines the above stated, click here!

Thursday, December 1, 2011

To begin our list, let’s start with a basic. Every year after Halloween I watch Nightmare Before Christmas, because I find it to be nor a Halloween, neither a completely Christmas movie either. You see it is quite creepy to begin with, but after a while you just feel Christmas-sy, and that ruins the spooky feeling of Halloween for me… But I do listen to this song, because every year I wonder around the city, looking for new Christmas decorations and often I encounter such rare and disgustingly inappropriate things that I can’t help but yell out loud “WHAT’S THIS?!”.

14) Prince & The Revolution – Another Lonely Christmas

This is THE worst song available on the planet. I am not joking with you, the lyrics? Awful! Prince sings about his girlfriend, who, despite being the prettiest among her siblings, DIED last Christmas… I’m not kidding with you, it’s awful! And now he has a lonely Christmas every year. It’s so depressing it is incredible. But I listened to it so often, not being able to believe what he was ACTUALLY singing about that now it became a holiday favorite. How sad is that?

This song won’t appear on any of the other music lists, trust me! This song is by a comedian called Tim Minchin who sings a song to his daughter. If you look up Tim’s life, you’ll find that he and his wife went through a great deal of trouble and countless useless painful moments through their lives, until their first child was born. To me, this song is beautiful. Not many people know Tim, and that is alright, although he is a wonderful comedian! But trust me you will want to know about this song!

11) The Drifters – White Christmas

Now, White Christmas is a beautiful song. And if you’ve seen the movie Holiday Inn, you won’t be able to resist it. It will find a way to your heart immeadiately and stay there for eternity. But, if the first time you hear it you are about 12 and very much into rock music, you will find it terribly slow and depressing. It was the same for me. Of course now, with a grown head I know how to appreaciate it. But back then I needed something more jolly. The beginning of my favorite Christmas movie in the whole wide world, Mixed Nuts, begins with this cover by The Drifters. Ever since then I only listen to this.

10) Elisa – Heaven Out Of Hell

Well, yes, this in itself isn’t so much a Christmas song. But when this video came out, it was Christmas. It is the soundtrack of an italian movie entitled “Casomai” (= In Case). It is sang by Elisa, a musician of Italian origin who was brought up in the US, therefore her accent is somewhat none existing. The music video, as in the reason why it is Christmas-sy, features a couple of scenes from the movie, but most importantly, a pair skating and the kind of Christmas lights that just melt my heart. The song itself is beautiful, and it might not awake the Christmas spirit on its own, but trust me, watch the video first!

9) Robert Downey Jr. – River

"River" first made its appearance on Joni Mitchell's album Blue in 1971. Ever since then houndreds of people have made covers. Every year I watch the Christmas episodes of Ally McBeal, where Robert Downey Jr. played Larry Paul, Ally’s boyfriend. For a while, we don’t know why Larry hates the holidays, until Ally hears him sing this song. It is a very sad one, but it also touches another part of your heart, the part that usually isn’t warm enough during all the other times of the year… but is should be on Christmas!

8) Aqua – Spin You A Christmas

This song is one of my favorites, because of the lyrics:

"And now I bet you that the DJ's gonna spin you a Christmas

To get you in the feeling

And there will be plastic snow all over the world

Falling from the ceiling, oh-oh-oh

Whether you love or hate it, oh-oh-oh

You're gonna celebrate it."

They are witty and very honest, making it fun and enjoyable. The music video itself is creepy... but it is very Aqua style, so I love it just the same!

7) Josh Groban – Bells Of New York City

Yes, this song has only been realeased last year, and already it is so high on my list. The first time I heard Josh sing, was in an episode ofAlly McBeal. I was fascinated by his voice, and ever since then he only had good songs. This song in particular reminds me of how lonely you can actually get during the holidays. That’s not a pretty thought, but if that is the case, this song will help you right through it. The lyrics are beautiful and the music is truly heavenly.

6) Wham – Last Christmas

Oh, you knew this was coming! And so high on the list too! I L-O-V-E this song! There are no words to describe how much I love this song. I know every single letter from the lyrics and listened to every single cover, starting from Hilary Duff, down to Cascada, all the way up to Jimmy Eat World and the new Taylor Swift version. Even if, my favorite is the Jimmy Eat World cover, I love George Michael. 80’s George Michael more than others. But, back to the song, I love the jingly sound in the background, the music video with all the scenic snowy mountains. The idea, of having a Christmas celebration with friends... Hmm, it’s wonderful! My sister and I have a joke, where we pretend, that George gives his heart and the very next day, she gives it away, every single time we listen to this song... She always asks "When is he going to learn?”

5) Carol Of The Bells

Now, there are about a 1000 covers of this song, one better than the other. But this song symbolizes for me is something different than the idea of a bunch of carollers at my door. You might know the Christmas movieThe Santa Clause. In the movie, as our main lead Scott Calvin heads home to meet his son for Christmas Eve this song is played in the background. It immeadiately raises doubts in you, makes you wonder what the story will tell us, who is Scott Calvin anyway and so on. It is a very good choice of music. I only wish that it would be longer than 2 minutes, but besides the Trans-Siberian Orchestra cover (thank you for the 3 minutes and 20 seconds!), NOBODY has ever thought about, I don’t know, make it longer seeing that it is a beautiful melody with wonderful lyrics.

4)The Raveonettes – Christmas Song

This song was originally in the soundtrack of The O.C.. That is where I first heard it since 2006 it is always the first Christmas song I listen to every year. I love the music, it makes me want to dance and sing. Unfortunately it is very short so I just click on "repeat” for a while, until I feel better and feel that jingly feeling in my stomach that the season of Christmas brings with itself!

3) Band Aid II – Do They Know (It’s Christmas Time)

This is one of those songs that everyone knows! Trust me, even if you don’t know who sings it or which era it is from. But you know it, because around Christmas time they play this song in literally every effing shop around the world! The song itself was supposed to raise money for African children. It actually did, but besides that it has become a big hit and a holiday classic. Being of so high esteem and prestige, it really brings the Christmas spirit with it, so it deserves the beautiful third place on my list.

2) Mariah Carey – Oh Santa

This song has been released in 2010 on a new Christmas album by Mrs. Carey. What is wonderful is that we all know the typical Christmas songs, such us Jingle Bells, Oh Christmas Tree and so on, and Mariah Carey’s biggest international hit has been All I want for Christmas (is you). Not everyone knows, that that was in fact her song. It is used in movies, malls and Christmas concerts all around the world. Therefore I have grown to hate it... no, OK not really. But I find it a bit boring. On the other hand, last year I heard her new Christmas song Oh Santa and I fell in love immeadiately. I can’t stop dancing, the lyrics, the music it’s all just wonderful. It may not be the first song that pops into your mind when you think of Christmas, but if you’re having a party, undoubtedly this should be on your playlist!

1) Chris Rea – Driving Home For Christmas

Yes, you might not have seen this coming, considering the either completely childish or deeply spiritual songs I have chosen so far. Every Christmas my dad, on Christmas eve, would get his coat and disappear for a couple of hours, thinking no one will notice. Of course, we all do... And we all know that he went shopping because he didn’t have any time during the year, next to his job. But that was alright, even if the presents were obviously bought last minute, we still really loved everything he got us. I would trim the tree, my mom would cook, my sister would bake, and my brother and grandma would help me. And everytime I listened to this song, I just pictured my dad, hurrying home for Christmas, driving home for Christmas, to be with us.

Celebrating the fact that after finally moving back to a part of the Earth where it actually snows at Christmas, I put together a little video to get the feeling of a nice snow storm across. The song is "River" sang by Robert Downey Jr.(Ally McBeal Sondtrack, season 4, episode 6).

"Krisztián was looking for a band and Gábor was looking for a singer. After a few email exchanges, they met in Gödör Café in the middle of July 2010, and agreed that it was worth giving it a try. Just a few weeks of initial creative attempts and getting aquainted to each other's musical style, and they made demo versions of Old-Fashioned Guy and The Factory of Abandoned Quests. The creative process of composing music together, however, quickly received new inspiration when Gábor showed the songs to Miki, who immediately saw an opportunity for a promising musical project. Soma joined in January 2011, replacing a former bass player who had played with the band for only a few months. (Gábor had collaborated earlier with Miki in The Absolute, and with Soma in Bijou, the latter producing a great hit still played by many radio stations in Hungary.) Since then, there has been continued enthusiasm, dedication and hard work." - This is their introduction from their facebook page!

But why is this of any interest to us?

There many things that are worth mentioning here. Primarily, I had the fortune to attend one of their concerts on the 30th of November. I must say, it had the feeling of a very good "The Cure" concert. And that should raise interest in you! The drummer is astonishingly good, the songs are wonderful and I can only say good things about the lead singer.

You might wonder how I came to encounter this group, grab a seat, 'cause this is where the story gets interesting! Krisztián, the lead singer, happens to be my old high school biology teacher. It was a pleasant surprise to find out he could sing, and an honor to hear him everytime he performed at various school events. For me he is the Hungarian David Bowie, and that coming from me is saying a lot!

I'll be completely honest with you, these are the kind of songs people have to hear first hand. Just like the movies were directed for the big screen, music is written for the live performances. Surely many songs will find their way to your heart! As far as lyrics go, I can only say that they have a lot of fantasy and obviously a lot of hard work put into them. But let us wrap up. I'll tell you it was wonderful to see them live!
Here under you can see the link to their Facebook page where you can listen to a couple of their songs and check out their photos. Or you may watch their first music video at the end of the review.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Our latest homework assignment was to talk about our favorite poem, but not summarize or paraphrase it. We had to discuss the poet's words, read between the lines and tell out teacher what the poem is about in reported speech.

This poem was written in 1937, april 11th. Before I began, there is an argument over whether or not the writer, Attila József has decided to commit suicide at the age of 37 or if his death was mere accident. This is interesting, because the poem was written a year before and already it wraps up his life as complete.
This poem is by far one of my favorites, so much that I wrote one myself, based on the same structure for my 20th birthday (You can read it here: Születésnapomra/it is in Hungarian/). Also, a Hungarian band called Kaláka has written background accompaniment to this poem, making it a song.

The speaker in the poem is obviously the poet as he tells us a tale of his life up to his 36th birthday.
It begins with him calling his poem a surprise, one that he gives as a present to himself and the café he often visits, probably the place where he wrote it.
He mentions that he could've been a teacher, instead of a ball point pen abrasive writer, but since he was forced to leave the University of Szeged he couldn't finish his studies. He was kicked out by a teacher called Antal Horger. This teacher, along with his homecountry (the one he believes has betrayed him) was offended by the complexity and sincerity in the poet's poem entitled 'I have no father'.
As the poet addresses his last argument, he tells us the exact words of his teacher: he says that until he has the ability to understand every word spoken to him, he will not let the poet become a teacher on this hemisphere. The poet assures his teacher that he can be relieved, because he isn't learning grammar anymore. On the other hand he mentions in a sentence that he is a teacher of some kind, but of a different level. He says that he will not teach his population on a secondary school level, implying that his teachings, his poetry is of a higher level. Also, with this he points out a responsability he felt towards the people of his country when writing his poems.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

If perhaps you have a bunch of old discs you don't need anymore, and you would like to create a nice Christmas decoration for you home or room, then you've come to the right place!

First of all get 30 discs, and put 2 aside for now! Then, figure out a unit you would like to use. I used the writable part of the discs! But pay attention, if you don't want an equilateral triangle, you're gonna need a different unit!

Now, glue the discs together. There are several kinds of glues, please use one that is gel based. I have tried other ones and unfortunately other stronger glue types will erode your discs... trust me, I tried them all!
Try to first glue together the layers, and then position them together for the tree.

If your glue is all dried up, you will need some fishing line. It is advised to tie the discs together through their holes. Once you put the paint onto it, it will dry up and serve as another type of glue, that'll help hold all these CDs together! Then, cover all the holes with some tape. (I didn't want the paint to get on the other side, seeing that that way it will be still seen that these are discs.)

Finally it is time to paint! I advise you use spray paint, that is more likely to stick.

Let it dry for 24 hours, so the strong paint odour evaporates.

In the meanwhile prepare the two CDs you put aside, and paint them with brown color paint.

If our tree is all dried up, attach the trunk to the end. You may force the fishing line from behind as well (where the CDs meet or next to the holes. Just a drop of gel glue is more than enough!).
You may use some more fishing line to be able to hang up your tree on your wall or window.